The O-III Nebula Filter - 2-Inch by Baader Planetarium:

Delivers the absolute highest contrast views of many diffuse and planetary nebula. For many objects, the Baader O-III reveals a level of intricate detail that rivals the best deep sky photographs. Our favorite filter for the majority of nebula, especially The Veil, Lagoon (M8), Swan (M17), Ring (M57), and Dumbell (M29). With a large scope, you can even view the famous 'Pillars of Creation' in M16 (Eagle).

The Baader O-III perfectly isolates the two doubly ionized oxygen lines (496 and 501nm), through a very sharp and narrow bandpass (8.2nm wide, the narrowest of any O-III filter!). Unlike other O-III filters, the Baader O-III completely blocks longer and shorter wavelengths (ever wonder why some O-III filters appear red, instead of the correct 500nm Teal color?). The result is the highest contrast achievable in an O-III filter.

The O-III benefits from the precision fine optically polished flat substrate, and advanced DWDM plasma-assisted coatings. As a result, the Baader O-III will not degrade image sharpness or impart double images. To prevent deterioration from cleaning or exposure to moisture, some other filters even resort to sandwiching their delicate coatings between two layers of filter glass, resulting in potential blurred or double images. Contrary to myth, nebula filters are often useful at high magnifications, where image quality counts. Baader O-III filters can take high magnifications, and stars retain their pinpoint sharpness, even if the filter is used far ahead of the image plane (i.e. for imaging use, or ahead of a star diagonal or binoviewer). Combine with our UV/IR filter for the ultimate in O-III deep-sky imaging.

Baader Planetarium O-III Nebula Filter Features:

True Optical Quality: Baader glass substrates are of true optical quality. Most other filters are merely made from raw flame-polished, "optically flat", or sometimes a top quality commercially polished filter glass (fine for camera filters), resulting in wavefront deformations that damage image sharpness and contrast when used with telescopes. Baader Planetarium filters are made from striae-free substrates, and actually fine optically polished flat to within 1/4 wave p-v over the entire surface, plane parallel to within 30 seconds of arc! This important and unique custom step adds cost - but the result is a filter that maintains the full wavefront quality of the telescope without double images or ghosting, even at high magnifications. Critical to maintaining this level of flatness are Baader's carefully balanced coating designs, which prevent coating surface stresses from warping the substrate. Such high flatness enables Baader filters to be used far in front of the focal plane, ahead of star diagonals and digital cameras. They are particularly well suited for attachment to the nosepiece of the Maxbright Binocular Viewer (other manufacturer's filters must be used in pairs, attached to the eyepieces).

Filter Durability: Filter durability has always been a hallmark of Baader Planetarium. The multi-layer dielectric coatings are plasma-assisted and Ion beam-hardened using the latest technology (the coatings are harder than the glass substrate itself!). Baader filters withstand repeated real-world exposure to the elements and physical cleaning. Users need not leave their precious filters dull and dust encrusted to avoid cleaning - Baader filters may be used and cleaned without fear. We have heard sad stories from owners of other simpler soft-coated dielectric filters, who have seen their coatings degrade from normal exposure to moisture, or wiped away from routine cleaning. Some manufacturers even resort to sandwiching their delicate coatings in between two layers of glass (and risking blurred double images as well as eventual degradation from the edges inward). Baader Filters will truly last a lifetime.

Stackability: Unlike other filters, Baader Planetarium filters are truly designed to be stacked and combined. This is possible due to the high optical quality and highly efficient anti-reflection multi-coatings. The ability to combine filters opens up many exciting possibilities, permitting unique spectral characteristics unachievable with any single filter.

Special Filter Cell: Baader's special filter cell design offers unique features that enhance their reliability and usability. Though difficult to produce, the ultra-thin filter cell results in the maximum possible clear aperture, in order to minimize vignetting (1.25-inch Filter clear aperture is 27mm, 2-inch Filter aperture is 45mm). The special threading has been designed to fit a wide variety of eyepieces and accessories (there is significant variation between the 1.25-inch filter threading used by eyepiece and accessory manufacturers). The front 'crown' of the filter incorporates milled notches which make handling and threading the filter a more secure operation in the dark.

Low cost: Despite high quality and advanced technology, Baader Planetarium filters are affordable. By leveraging high volumes across all filters in the Baader family, these filters can be offered at very reasonable prices.

OPT Product Number: BA-FOIII-2